Every August, the skies above Abbotsford come alive. Fighter jets tear through the air. Parachutists in formation spiral earthward. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds leave trails of white across a blue summer sky. The Abbotsford International Airshow is one of the largest annual events in British Columbia and this year, it runs from August 7 to 9, 2026.
Getting there? That’s the easy part.
Skip the Traffic. Focus on the Show.
The Abbotsford International Airshow draws in massive crowds and in turn, the roads around Abbotsford International Airport get hectic. Parking is a battle, traffic backs up for kilometres and by the time most drivers finally find a spot, the opening act is already underway.
Ebus connects Vancouver, Kelowna and Kamloops directly to Abbotsford International Airport with four daily departures, meaning you can step off the coach and walk straight into the action, no parking lot circling required. Onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat and spacious legroom make the ride genuinely comfortable and with fares starting at just $51.50, it’s an easy call.
If you want to arrive in style, Red Arrow runs a once-daily premium service between Vancouver and Abbotsford that turns the journey into a part of the experience. With reclining leather seats, single-row privacy, complimentary snacks and drinks and a charging station at your fingertips, it’s the kind of ride that sets the tone for a day packed full of excitement. Fares start at $50, with regular departures from YXX at 2:40 PM.
More Than an Airshow
While the flying is spectacular, the Abbotsford International Airshow is a full day out in every sense. Over 40 food trucks line the grounds, serving everything from festival favourites to meals that make the trip worth it on their own. There’s a dedicated kids’ zone, static aircraft displays you can get up close and personal with and the kind of atmosphere that turns a summer day into a core memory for the whole family.
This year’s aerial lineup includes the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a CF-18 Hornet Tactical Demo, an EA-18 Growler Demo, Red Bull aerobatics with Pete McLeod, an aerobatic Red Bull helicopter display, the Canadian Forces Skyhawks parachute team and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind show, the kind that draws aviation enthusiasts from across the country and delivers the same incredible experience to first-time spectators.
While You’re in Abbotsford
Even if the airshow is the headline act of your trip to Abbotsford, the city has plenty more to offer once you’ve watched the last jet touch down. The city sits at the heart of some of the Fraser Valley’s best farm country; think lavender fields, berry picking and farm-to-table dining that utilizes one of BC’s richest agricultural regions. A thriving brewery and wine scene, over 2,500 acres of green space and a walkable historic downtown rounds out Abbotsford and justifies a longer stay.
Getting to the rest of Abbotsford from the airport is just a short Uber ride away and with Ebus running four departures daily, you’ve got the flexibility to stay as long as the day calls for.
Plan Your Trip
The Abbotsford International Airshow runs August 7, 8 and 9, 2026. Secure your tickets and coach seats early; this is one of the biggest weekends of the summer and spots fill fast.
Visit tourismabbotsford.ca for event details, accommodation options and everything else the city has to offer. Then, book your trip with Ebus or Red Arrow and let someone else worry about the journey there.